Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?
Our fur babies are family. They comfort us, entertain us, and rely on us. We buy them toys and the best pet foods to keep them happy and healthy. But despite all that, sometimes they have accidents or develop illnesses, and those veterinary bills add up quickly. Thus, the need for Pet Insurance.
A 2015 report by CBS News stated that cancer treatments for a pet can reach upwards of $5,000. And if your furry friend breaks a leg or swallows some giftwrap at Christmas, those surgery costs add up as well. Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery and Dental Care lists prices for their most common procedures on their website. As you can see, an unexpected pet emergency can put a real strain on the budget.
You should consider a few things. First, most carriers will write an insurance policy for an older pet, but keep in mind that as your dog ages, that monthly premium goes up. Here in South Carolina, an insurance policy for a puppy might cost $35 per month, but by the time that same dog is 8 years old, that monthly premium could more than double. Also consider the general health of your pet. A pet insurance policy only has value if you use it. But remember that a lot of carriers won’t cover a pet with a pre-existing condition. Moral of the story: It’s a bit of a gamble, but you’re better off taking out pet insurance while your pet is still young.
A pet insurance policy could provide financial assistance if the unforseeable happens and peace of mind even if it doesn’t. And it probably doesn’t cost as much as you think. Figo Pet Insurance states that their pet plans average less than $1.50 per day—a small price to pay for peace of mind for your pet and your budget.
Pet insurance typically covers these common pet expenses:
- Hospitals
- Surgeries
- CT scans, MRIs and X-rays
- Vet specialists
- Prescriptions
- Cancer treatments
- Hereditary conditions
- Congenital conditions
- Hip displasia
Call Livingston Insurance Agency in West Columbia, South Carolina, at 803-791-1120 or call your local insurance agent for more information to determine whether pet insurance is something your family should consider.